LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

GOVERNOR’S MANSION CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday at 800 Richland St. Free and open to the public, no reservations required. (803) 737-1710

HOLIDAY CONCERT: 7 p.m. Monday at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Free performance by “Fort Jackson’s Own” 282nd Army Band. Come early for a picture and visit with Santa Claus. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Koger Center box office. (803) 751-4844; http://koger.sc.edu

COLUMBIA COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA: Christmas concert, 7:15 p.m. Monday at Unity of Columbia, 1801 Legrand Road. Performance will include familiar carols and holiday favorites. CCO principal flutist Patricia Harleston will be the soloist for Busoni’s “Divertimento for Flute and Orchestra.” The audience will be invited to join in the traditional carol sing. Free, but donations will be accepted. http://columbiaorchestra.com

TUESDAY

HISTORIC COLUMBIA HOLIDAY TOURS: Through Jan. 4 at the Historic Columbia homes (Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site). Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. $8; youth, $5; Historic Columbia members and age 5 and younger, free). The houses are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (last tour starts at 3 p.m.) and 1-5 p.m. Sundays (last tour starts at 4 p.m.). Closed Mondays and major holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Day). (803) 252-8842; http://historiccolumbia.org

STATE MUSEUM: Second Shift Twosday at 301 Gervais St. In celebration of the history of its building and the mill workers who decades ago worked the second shift, the museum is extending its Tuesday hours until 8 p.m. Each week, the museum will feature something different, which might include programs, planetarium shows, 4-D movies, lunar observing, exhibit previews, food and beverage events, discounts and more. Also, from 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays in December,, they’ve come up with Tasting Twosdays when the food samplings will include tastings of Ginger Wine Ninja Pinot Noir, a new wine label created by three local wine experts. The museum is at 301 Gervais St. (803) 898-4921; http://scmuseum.org

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

ENGENUITYSC’S SCIENCE CAFE: 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Speakeasy, 711 Saluda Ave. “Do Antioxidants Make You Live Longer and Prosper?” Dr. Kenneth Tew, international leader in drug discovery and development, will attempt to answer this topical question as he discusses the science behind why we breathe oxygen and the use of antioxidants and supplements. http://engenuitysc.com/sciencecafe

WEDNESDAY

HISTORIC COLUMBIA HOLIDAY TOURS: Through Jan. 4 at the Historic Columbia homes (Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site). Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. $8; youth, $5; Historic Columbia members and age 5 and younger, free). The houses are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (last tour starts at 3 p.m.) and 1-5 p.m. Sundays (last tour starts at 4 p.m.). Closed Mondays and major holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Day). (803) 252-8842; http://historiccolumbia.org

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

CMA CHAMBER MUSIC ON MAIN: 7 p.m. Wednesday (happy hour at 6 p.m.) in the DuBose-Preston Reception Hall at the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Program will feature compositions by Haydn, Dohnayi and Brahms. Presented by U.S. Trust. $40; members, $30; students, $5. (803) 799-2810; http://columbiamuseum.org

THURSDAY

HISTORIC COLUMBIA HOLIDAY TOURS: Through Jan. 4 at the Historic Columbia homes (Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site). Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. $8; youth, $5; Historic Columbia members and age 5 and younger, free). The houses are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (last tour starts at 3 p.m.) and 1-5 p.m. Sundays (last tour starts at 4 p.m.). Closed Mondays and major holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Day). (803) 252-8842; http://historiccolumbia.org

LUNCH AND LEARN: “Finding Your Joy During the Holidays,” 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursday at the Lourie Center, 1650 Park Circle (Maxcy Gregg Park). Marsha Clayman from The Haven in the Summit will have tips on coping with symptoms of holiday depression and stress. Free, lunch will be provided to those who RSVP to info@louriecentersc.com or by calling (*03) 779-1971, ext. 12

BLYTHEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Train exhibit and family-friendly activities at the Langford-Nord House, 100 McNulty Road, Blythewood. Train display will be open 4-8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Dec. 14. Christmas cards designed by Blythewood artist Harold Brabham and the latest in the Society’s series of ornaments – 2014’s ornament will feature Bethel Baptist Church and limited quantities of ornaments from previous years will be available for sale. Donations welcome. (803) 333-8133

THE ART OF CHARLES PATE JR.: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Studio Carlisle, 3142 Carlisle St. Original paintings and sculptures by Pate, a Greenville native, now established in Columbia. He is a graduate of Savannah School of Art and Design with a BFA in painting and art history. (803) 719-1713

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

“FROZEN, THE MUSICAL”: 7 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria at B-C Grammar School No. 1, 114 Hook Ave., West Columbia. The after-school choir will bring the popular Disney feature to life. Admission is free and it is open to the public; limited seating, so get there early.

SANDLAPPER SINGERS: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Ashland Road UMC, 2600 Ashland Road; and Friday at St. Joseph Catholic, 3600 Devine St. “What Shall I Bring?” is a holiday concert that includes music reflecting the changes in America’s holiday customs with traditional carols and a commissioned work that features the voices of the Young Sandlapper Singers. A 12-piece string ensemble will accompany the singers. Tickets are $15. (803) 381-5481; http://sandlappersingers.org

WINTER CHORAL CONCERT: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Chapin Presbyterian Church, 600 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Concert will feature performances from five Chapin High School choirs and joint Christmas caroling from all choirs. Seating will begin at 7 p.m. Adult tickets, $10; students, $5; households, $30. All proceeds go to help further choral music education at Chapin High School.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Trustus Theater, 520 Lady St. The popular offering from last season returns with five actors performing all the characters of Charles Dickens’ classic story and create a live musical score onstage in a re-imagined production. Additional show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 12, 13, 19, 20; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 (there will be a talk-back following the performance). Tickets are $22; military and seniors, $20; students, $15. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

A DEVINE NIGHT OUT: 8-10 p.m. Thursday from 5 Points to Devine Street’s intersection with Millwood Avenue (near Dreher High School). More than 50 stores and restaurants will welcome guests for an evening of shopping, socializing and festive cheer. There will be a free after party at Henry’s, 2865 Devine St., featuring live entertainment and an assortment of complimentary food and beverages. A free shuttle will run from one end of the street to the other. Presented by the Devine Street Association and the City of Columbia. Information at http://devinestreetcolumbiasc.com

FRIDAY

HISTORIC COLUMBIA HOLIDAY TOURS: Through Jan. 4 at the Historic Columbia homes (Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site). Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. $8; youth, $5; Historic Columbia members and age 5 and younger, free). The houses are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (last tour starts at 3 p.m.) and 1-5 p.m. Sundays (last tour starts at 4 p.m.). Closed Mondays and major holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Day). (803) 252-8842; http://historiccolumbia.org

THE DICK GOODWIN TRIO: Noon Friday at the Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. Part of the Artist Salon series, this edition will feature music from World War I through the 1960s, highlighting works in the “Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera” exhibition. Members of the trio are Dough Graham on clarinet, Dick Goodwin on trumpet and Winifred Goodwin on keyboard. Free with admission or membership. (803) 799-2810; http://columbiamuseum.org

BLYTHEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Train exhibit and family-friendly activities at the Langford-Nord House, 100 McNulty Road, Blythewood. Train display will be open 4-8 p.m. Friday. Christmas cards designed by Blythewood artist Harold Brabham and the latest in the Society’s series of ornaments – 2014’s ornament will feature Bethel Baptist Church and limited quantities of ornaments from previous years will be available for sale. Donations welcome. (803) 333-8133

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Midlands’ largest drive-through light show features the Dazzling Dancing Forest, animated scenes, Wetland Wonderland Walking Trail, Winter Wonder Ride downhill tubing, Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop and more. Admission is $15 per car, $25 per 15-passenger van and $40 per bus. Winter Wonder Ride ($2 per slide with admission or $10 for an all-you-can-slide pass) and the Gift Shop will be open 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays except Christmas. Mark your calendars for Nights of Wonder, Friday through Dec. 23 – in addition to Holiday Lights on the River, you can take the Red-Nose Express Hayride to the Wetland Walking Trail or ride the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo through the lights; don’t forget the make-and-take craft activity and a visit with Santa. (803) 772-3903; http://icrc.net

“JACK FROST”: 7 p.m. Friday at Columbia Children’s Theatre, second level, Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. With book and lyrics by Chrystal Aldamuy and music and lyrics by Paul Gilbert Lindley II, the original musical follows Jack through some trying teenage times when he only wants to do things his way, like painting holly leaves in rainbow colors, bring snow storms to orange groves in September and accidentally inventing the aurora borealis. The solution? The Frosts and their neighbors, the Kringles (parents of Crystal), decide to switch youngsters for a while – valuable lessons are learned. Tickets are $10 for age 3 and older. Advance tickets tickets available online at http://columbiachildrenstheatre.com or call (803) 691-4548.

SANDLAPPER SINGERS: 7:30 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3600 Devine St. “What Shall I Bring?” is a holiday concert that includes music reflecting the changes in America’s holiday customs with traditional carols and a commissioned work that features the voices of the Young Sandlapper Singers. A 12-piece string ensemble will accompany the singers. Tickets are $15. (803) 381-5481; http://sandlappersingers.org

WINTER CHORAL CONCERT: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Chapin Presbyterian Church, 600 Old Lexington Highway, Chapin. Concert will feature performances from five Chapin High School choirs and joint Christmas caroling from all choirs. Seating will begin at 7 p.m. Adult tickets, $10; students, $5; households, $30. All proceeds go to help further choral music education at Chapin High School.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 8 p.m. Friday at Trustus Theater, 520 Lady St. The popular offering from last season returns with five actors performing all the characters of Charles Dickens’ classic story and create a live musical score onstage in a re-imagined production. Tickets are $22; military and seniors, $20; students, $15. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

SATURDAY

SALEM UMC BAZAAR: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 1321 Salem Church Road, Irmo. Numerous vendors offering everything from aprons to wooden toys. There will be varieties of homemade soups for your lunch (eat in or take out). Proceeds will go to local charities and help fund a youth mission trip.

COLUMBIA CLASSIC CHEVY CLUB TOY DRIVE: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at Woodbury Plaza, 3200 Augusta Road (U.S. 1). Bring a new, unwrapped toy for a boy or girl (all ages) and make Christmas a little brighter for local children. Stick around and check out the cars, too.

COLONIAL CHRISTMAS IN CAMDEN: 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the Kershaw-Cornwallis House and the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, 222 Broad St., Camden. The house will be decorated for the season and the dining table laden with holiday fare. Guides dressed in 18th century finery will share some of the Yuletide customs as you tour the house. Meet a Carolina backwoodsman, take part in the Christmas scavenger hunt, try on period clothes, play colonial games and write a holiday greeting with a quill pen. Stop by the newly restored McCaa’s Tavern and enjoy a 10 percent discount in the gift shop. Tickets are $5; ages 6-12, $3; younger than 6, free. (803) 432-9841; http://historic-camden.net

“JACK FROST”: 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday at Columbia Children’s Theatre, second level, Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. With book and lyrics by Chrystal Aldamuy and music and lyrics by Paul Gilbert Lindley II, the original musical follows Jack through some trying teenage times when he only wants to do things his way, like painting holly leaves in rainbow colors, bring snow storms to orange groves in September and accidentally inventing the aurora borealis. The solution? The Frosts and their neighbors, the Kringles (parents of Crystal), decide to switch youngsters for a while – valuable lessons are learned. Tickets are $10 for age 3 and older. All tickets for the 7 p.m. performance are $5. Advance tickets tickets available online at http://columbiachildrenstheatre.com or call (803) 691-4548.

“THE NUTCRACKER”: Columbia City Ballet at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St. Performances are 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $15-$42. (803) 251-2222; http://capitoltickets.com

BLYTHEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Train exhibit and family-friendly activities at the Langford-Nord House, 100 McNulty Road, Blythewood. Train display will be open 4-8 p.m. Saturday. Christmas cards designed by Blythewood artist Harold Brabham and the latest in the Society’s series of ornaments – 2014’s ornament will feature Bethel Baptist Church and limited quantities of ornaments from previous years will be available for sale. Donations welcome. (803) 333-8133

HARBORSIDE LIGHTS 5K AND KIDS FUN RUN: 5 p.m. Saturday at Lake Carolina Town Center. The final race in the YMCA of Columbia’s 2014 race series is being held in memory of Jeep Rogers and goes through Lake Carolina neighborhoods along a course lit by luminaria. Registration for the age 12 and younger fun run is $10; late registration for the 5K is $30 (postmarked by Thursday) or $35 race day. http://columbiaymca.org

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

CAYCE-WEST COLUMBIA HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS: 5:30 p.m. Saturday beginning at the corner of U.S. 1 and 12th Street., West Columbia, down 12th Street, ending in front of the Cayce Municipal Complex.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Midlands’ largest drive-through light show features the Dazzling Dancing Forest, animated scenes, Wetland Wonderland Walking Trail, Winter Wonder Ride downhill tubing, Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop and more. Admission is $15 per car, $25 per 15-passenger van and $40 per bus. Winter Wonder Ride ($2 per slide with admission or $10 for an all-you-can-slide pass) and the Gift Shop will be open 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays except Christmas. Nights of Wonder runs through Dec. 23 – in addition to Holiday Lights on the River, you can take the Red-Nose Express Hayride to the Wetland Walking Trail or ride the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo through the lights; don’t forget the make-and-take craft activity and a visit with Santa. (803) 772-3903; http://icrc.net

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 8 p.m. Saturday at Trustus Theater, 520 Lady St. The popular offering from last season returns with five actors performing all the characters of Charles Dickens’ classic story and create a live musical score onstage in a re-imagined production. Tickets are $22; military and seniors, $20; students, $15. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

SUNDAY

HISTORIC COLUMBIA HOLIDAY TOURS: Through Jan. 4 at the Historic Columbia homes (Robert Mills House, Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Mann-Simons Site). Guides will provide stories of holidays past in Columbia and discuss how families decorated and entertained during the 19th and early 20th centuries. $8; youth, $5; Historic Columbia members and age 5 and younger, free). The houses are open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays (last tour starts at 3 p.m.) and 1-5 p.m. Sundays (last tour starts at 4 p.m.). Closed Mondays and major holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Day). (803) 252-8842; http://historiccolumbia.org

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL”: 3 p.m. Sunday at Trustus Theater, 520 Lady St. The popular offering from last season returns with five actors performing all the characters of Charles Dickens’ classic story and create a live musical score onstage in a re-imagined production. A talk-back session will follow the performance. Additional show times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 and 8 p.m. Dec. 19, 20Tickets are $22; military and seniors, $20; students, $15. (803) 254-9732; http://trustus.org

LEXINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM OPEN HOUSE: 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 231 Fox St. Lexington. Many of the museum’s structures will be open and decorated in period fashion. This event will feature free apple cider and gingerbread. (803) 359-8369

“JACK FROST”: 3 p.m. Sunday at Columbia Children’s Theatre, second level, Richland Mall, 3400 Forest Drive. With book and lyrics by Chrystal Aldamuy and music and lyrics by Paul Gilbert Lindley II, the original musical follows Jack through some trying teenage times when he only wants to do things his way, like painting holly leaves in rainbow colors, bring snow storms to orange groves in September and accidentally inventing the aurora borealis. The solution? The Frosts and their neighbors, the Kringles (parents of Crystal), decide to switch youngsters for a while – valuable lessons are learned. Tickets are $10 for age 3 and older. Advance tickets tickets available online at http://columbiachildrenstheatre.com or call (803) 691-4548.

BLYTHEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Train exhibit and family-friendly activities at the Langford-Nord House, 100 McNulty Road, Blythewood. Train display will be open 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Christmas cards designed by Blythewood artist Harold Brabham and the latest in the Society’s series of ornaments – 2014’s ornament will feature Bethel Baptist Church and limited quantities of ornaments from previous years will be available for sale. Donations welcome. (803) 333-8133

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Midlands’ largest drive-through light show features the Dazzling Dancing Forest, animated scenes, Wetland Wonderland Walking Trail, Winter Wonder Ride downhill tubing, Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop and more. Admission is $15 per car, $25 per 15-passenger van and $40 per bus. Winter Wonder Ride ($2 per slide with admission or $10 for an all-you-can-slide pass) and the Gift Shop will be open 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays except Christmas. Nights of Wonder runs through Dec. 23 – in addition to Holiday Lights on the River, you can take the Red-Nose Express Hayride to the Wetland Walking Trail or ride the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo through the lights; don’t forget the make-and-take craft activity and a visit with Santa. (803) 772-3903; http://icrc.net

LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 5-9 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Parkway. Music in Motion lights spectacular, Jingle Bell bonfire, snow every night and you can visit with Santa from 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. Some of the zoo’s indoor exhibits will remain open – Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout and Riverbanks Farm. Tickets are $10, ages 2-12, $8. Riverbanks members are eligible to receive one free visit with their current membership card and picture ID; guest passes are not accepted. To avoid long lines, purchase your tickets in advance online at https://etickets.riverbanks.org/eTickets/LightsBeforeChristmas/tabid/161/Default.aspx

HOLIDAY LIGHTS ON THE RIVER: 6-10 p.m. through Dec. 31 at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road. Midlands’ largest drive-through light show features the Dazzling Dancing Forest, animated scenes, Wetland Wonderland Walking Trail, Winter Wonder Ride downhill tubing, Santa’s Claus’et Gift Shop and more. Admission is $15 per car, $25 per 15-passenger van and $40 per bus. Winter Wonder Ride ($2 per slide with admission or $10 for an all-you-can-slide pass) and the Gift Shop will be open 6-10 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays except Christmas. Nights of Wonder runs through Dec. 23 – in addition to Holiday Lights on the River, you can take the Red-Nose Express Hayride to the Wetland Walking Trail or ride the Saluda Shoals Choo-Choo through the lights; don’t forget the make-and-take craft activity and a visit with Santa. (803) 772-3903; http://icrc.net

STATE MUSEUM: Second Shift Twosday, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 16 at 301 Gervais St. In celebration of the history of its building and the mill workers who decades ago worked the second shift, the museum is extending its Tuesday hours until 8 p.m. Each week, the museum will feature something different, which might include programs, planetarium shows, 4-D movies, lunar observing, exhibit previews, food and beverage events, discounts and more. Also, Tuesdays in December,, they’ve come up with Tasting Twosdays when the food samplings will include tastings of Ginger Wine Ninja Pinot Noir, a new wine label created by three local wine experts. (803) 898-4921; http://scmuseum.org